A motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, unanimously approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors, directs county departments to prioritize safety and environmental factors in its Devil’s Gate dam sediment removal plan.

“This modified approach prioritizes safety, addresses environmental concerns and mitigates disruption for our local residents,” Barger said. “I appreciate the input of our community members, environmental groups and the City of Pasadena who have participated in discussions with me and county departments over many months.”

The Supervisor’s proposal balances the position of flood control engineers who initially requested that the project to remove 2.4 million cubic yards with the preservation of existing environmental assets, by proposing the removal of 1.7 million cubic yards.

The motion further called for coordination with the City of Pasadena on stormwater capture and groundwater replenishment as well as the development of an early warning system to notify downstream residents and businesses of any issues related to similar Los Angeles County Flood Control District facilities.

Finally, the Supervisor directed the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works to work with the Army Corps of Engineers on the completion of the Arroyo Seco Ecosystem Restoration Study, which will identify opportunities for aquatic and riparian restoration along a 10 mile reach of the Arroyo Seco downstream of Devil’s Gate Dam.